Grave of Guildford soldier missing since 1918 rededicated

Photo: Eric Compernolle BEM

The previously un-named grave of an officer from Guildford, Surrey, who served with the Seaforth Highlanders been identified and rededicated in his name 108 years after his death.

The rededication service for 2nd Lt Frank Fleming was organised by the Ministry of Defence's Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC) and took place on 22 September 2026 at CWGC Voormezeele Enclosure No. 3, Belgium.

Born in Guildford, Surrey, on 15 October 1894, Frank grew up on his family's farm before moving to London to work as a market clerk. He later joined the Army and was commissioned into the Seaforth Highlanders.

During the German Spring Offensive in April 1918, 2nd Lt Fleming was attached to the 7th Battalion and took part in fierce fighting near Hollebeke, Belgium. While leading his men in an attack against German positions on 11 April, he was seriously wounded. Displaying remarkable courage and selflessness, he ordered his men to withdraw to safety and refused to let stretcher-bearers risk their lives attempting to rescue him. Unable to be recovered, he was later listed as missing and was commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial.

Subsequent research submitted by a member of the public has now shown that 2Lt Fleming was actually buried in the Hollebeke area of Belgium and moved to Voormezeele Enclosure No. 3 after the war.

Frank Fleming was one of three sons of Alexander and Mary Fleming, and all three would ultimately lose their lives during World War One.

Photos: Eric Compernolle BEM

JCCC Caseworker, Nicola Nash, said: “More than 100 years after his death, It was an honour to be there today to pay tribute to Frank’s bravery and sacrifice.”

His headstone, replaced by Commonwealth War Graves Commission, now carries his name and the service has commemorated his loss.

Catherine Nell, Identifications Manager at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, said: “It has been a privilege for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to be involved in Second Lieutenant Frank Fleming’s identification. We shall continue to care for his grave, alongside his comrades, in perpetuity.”

Second Lieutenant Frank Fleming – 15 October 1894 - 11 April 1918

Frank was born on 15 October 1894 in Guildford, Surrey, the son of Alexander Fleming and Mary Lindsay. He had two brothers, James and Alexander, both of whom also lost their lives during World War 1. His mother died when he was just three years old, and his father later remarried, having two daughters with his second wife.

According to the 1901 census, Alexander Fleming was a farmer at Hoe Bridge Farm in Woking, situated within the grounds of Hoe Place, a historic estate with origins as an ancient royal manor. By the time of the 1911 census, Frank was living in a boarding house in Stockwell, London, and working as a Market Clerk for a cocoa merchant, reflecting an exchange of rural life for the commercial life of the city.

Frank’s service record did not survive so we do not know when he joined the army, but he was commissioned as a 2Lt and joined the Seaforth Highlanders, becoming part of the 4th Battalion. On the 4th April 1918, Frank was attached to the 7th Battalion, who were situated in the area of the White Chateau near Hollebeke in Belgium.

Photo: Eric Compernolle BEM